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A Christmas Glimpse Inside Our Home (and a Little Gift for You)

Sponsored by Skandinavisk (all words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too). 

It’s the darkest time of the year, and even the daylight has a certain rawness to it. I think that’s one of the reasons I love Christmas so much—it gives the perfect excuse to create a truly cosy home filled with greenery from the season and all the wonderful scents of Christmas. As promised, here are a few pictures from our main living ready for 'Jul'. 

This little corner is everyone’s favourite spot. It’s where I drink my morning coffee while catching the sunrise, Per plays the guitar, and the girls relax (no doubt 'snapping' a friend or two). It’s a cosy nook where you can be in the same room as everyone else yet still feel tucked away. I have a never ending rotation of candles here and right now, it's STUGA (with the cosy scent of a secluded Scandinavian cabin!). This nook comes into it's own at Christmas when the house is a hive of activity untangling lights, finalising wreaths and the continuous search for a pair of scissors! Are we the only ones? 

Swedes are masters at adapting their home for the season.  In winter, it's all about the cosy blankets, sheepskins and bringing plenty of greenery indoors - and I'm here for it! This corner is where we all snuggle up trying to find something we ALL want to watch (no easy feat!). In case you're wondering, our TV is hidden behind the curtain!

Our tree is full of different decorations amassed over the years. Last year I acquired this cute little champagne bottle, which has become a new favourite. If only it was real (and a little bigger!)! 

This year, we’ll be at Per’s parents’ for our Swedish Christmas. Swedish tradition has it that Tomten (Father Christmas) brings all the presents in a sack over his shoulder during the afternoon (unfortunately, one family member always seems to miss him—usually when they’ve popped out to buy a newspaper at the most inconvenient moment!). In the meantime, a few presents are already wrapped and waiting for Tomten to collect.

If you’re stuck for ideas, this Yuletide gift set makes a wonderful present for anyone who would love to bring the scent of a Scandinavian Christmas into their home (discount code below!). 

This trusty bench has been our coffee table for years. I love changing up what’s on it from month to month; right now it holds some in-season flowers and foliage, a bowl of pine cones, sculptures by our neighbour Simon Vendin, a few vintage decorations, and the gentle smell of the Scandinavian boreal forest thanks to the special edition SKOG candle and scent diffuser. It’s Per’s all-time favourite scent, and it really comes into its own at Christmas (especially if you have a non-smelling tree). 


Amaryllis are a Christmas favourite, and this year I went for a burgundy-red variety—simple yet so pretty with a few sprigs of pine. Beside it is a book by my friend Malin Persson, and a JUL candle that fills our upstairs landing with the scent of baked gingerbread, winter cloves, spiced oranges, and mulled wine. Delicious! 

I hope you enjoyed these little snapshots of our home at Christmas. If there’s anything you’re curious about that I haven’t mentioned, just let me know below and I'll share the source. 

If you’re thinking of treating yourself or a friend to one of the wonderful home fragrances from Skandinavisk ( a B Corp), there’s a 20% code (jul20) available until 20th December 2025. 

Wishing you a warm and cosy festive weekend, and thank you for being here. I hope you liked this glimpse inside our home at Christmas. The light already starts to fade at 2pm and it's pitch dark by 3.30pm so it's the perfect place to thaw out from the bike ride home and cosy up for the evening. 

Niki

Credits: I took these photographs together with Helen Sturesson

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3 Gift Guides: My Pick of Beautiful Danish Glassware for Every Style



Sponsored by Pernille Bülow - all words and photos are my own. I only ever work with brands I love and think you will too. 

Yes, I know it's early November, but 'the early bird catches the morning worm' as they say - and I wanted to make sure you hear about Pernille Bülow's beautiful items in order for them to arrive before Christmas - after all, it could take a little while for the elves in the Baltic sea to craft, pack and send!  

You may recognise the name, Pernille Bülow is a glass atelier on the Danish island of Bornholm producing the most beautiful, sustainable and handmade glassware. I have featured their dinnerware, mouth-blown lighting and Christmas decorations quite a few times over the years as they are one of my favourite Scandinavian ateliers. And last December, I even paid them a visit in Bornholm on a snowy weekend!

This year, I thought I'd create three ultimate gift guides - each capturing a beautiful selection of hand-picked items from their atelier, photographed in my home and studio. I hope you find something special for family and friends - and maybe even a little pressie for yourself! 

Gift guide for those who love Christmas and entertaining

In my mind Christmas ornaments make the best presents. Who doesn't love a tree filled with memories and personal touches? The same goes for glassware! 

From sparkling glass drops and mouth-blown baubles to gleaming Optic plates and vases, here's my round-up of presents that includes everything you or a friend will love for decorating and entertaining for years to come. 


Gift guide for those who love handmade




There's something special about items that have been made by hand. Perfectly imperfect, no two items are the same and really give a home a soul. Here is a round-up of six lovely handmade pieces from Pernille Bülow that would make the perfect present:


Gift guide for those who love sustainably made pieces



And for my third and final gift guide, it's all about glassware that has been thoughtfully made with the planet in mind. From candlesticks and jugs to beautiful lighting made from recycled glass waste from the pharmaceutical industry - there's something for everyone! 


I hope these gift guides are helpful - and that you treat yourself - or friends and family to something special.

Is there anything that caught your eye in particular? If so, it's time to drop a few hints to those near and dear ;) 

In case you feel like paying Bornholm a visit one day, here is my winter travel guide guide - filled with Christmas markets, restaurants serving delicious locally grown produce, wintery walks along the coast and as well as where to shop.  It's an incredible island in all seasons! 

If you'd like to see a little more inspiration today, here are a few features I've shown in the past: 


Have a wonderful weekend - I'll be back Monday with a very exciting home tour, see you then! 

Niki

All photography by me (Niki Brantmark), styling by Helen Sturesson

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The Ultimate Scandi Christmas Gift Guide For Children


No one gets more excited about Christmas than children (which makes me one very big kid as I LOVE this time of the year!). But sometimes it can be tricky to find something they'll love and that's built to last. Here's my round-up of Scandic-Inspired Christmas gifts that will hopefully bring squeals of delight under the tree and can be enjoyed for many generations to come!

1. Fjallraven rucksack Kanken No. 2
2. Miniature Funkis House
3. Lillagunga Reindeer
4. Maileg Circus Mice Play Set
5. Lillagunga Rings Oak
6. Ferm Living Small Fruiticana Tufted Strawberry Rug
7. Anthropologie Banwood First Go! Balance Bike
8. Kid's Concept Rocking Horse Neo Mammoth
9. Panda Striped Baby Alpaca Knit Sweater


1. Night and Day Baby Quilt
2. Kid's Concept Neo Natural Baby Walker
3. Maileg Prince Mega Mouse Stuffed Animal
4. Kid's Concept Grey Hedgehog Seat Puff
5. Done By Deer Black Wooden Swing
6. Liewood Beige Wooden Activity Arch Pale blue
7. Oeuf Apple Soft Toy
8. Kid's Concept White Rocking Scooter


1. Ferm Living Fruiticana Bamboo Dinner Set
2. Shibui Nursery Mobile
3. Kid's Concept Multicoloured Abacus
4. Anthropologie The Five Minute Journal for Kids
5. Little Miss Workbench Wooden Camera Toy
6. Kid's Concept NEO Hammer Bench
7. Maileg Christmas Medium Girl Mouse Stuffed Animal
8. Olli Ella Wicker Picnic Basket
9. H&M Plate with Motif
10. Mandi Smethells Sunny Days Purse

I hope you have found lots of ideas for all those little munchkins you know and love out there!

You are so welcome to add other ideas in the comment section below!

Niki

PS I'm excited to share a wonderful Swedish home tour with subtle festive touches later today, sop make sure you pop back to take a peek!

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Scandinavian Inspired Gift Ideas for Kids / 2017



Being Mum's to little ones ourselves, Ana and I have trawled the net for the most beautiful Scandi-inspired children's gifts this year. The criteria: items we know our kids would love and that look fabulous in the home too! 

We hope our picks help you find pressies for even the most fussy of children and that you'll love them too.....



Scarf Oeuf NYC • $144
ENCORE ! Small Loft • $153
FUNKK Letters Felt Message Board • $125
ZOÃ RUMEAU Cloud light • $194
Grandma Giant Octopus Soft Toy • $143
FJALLRAVEN Mini Kanken Backpack • Fjallraven • $111
La Sardine DIY Camera White • $140
Painted Oak Songbird • $119.05
KEORA KEORA Cat Rattan Saddlebag • $88–398
Sons + Daughters Lenny Sunglasses • $134



FERM LIVING KIDS Terrazzo Boxes - Set of 3 • $51
Georg Jensen - Elephant Figurine - Set of 4 • Georg Jensen • $85.61
PEACE AND WOOL Blanc Bonnet & Bonnet Blanc DIY Knitting Kit • $80
FERM LIVING KIDS Pineapple Cushion • $86
FANNY AND ALEXANDER Wooden Camera • $80
Organic Cotton Children's Backpack • $86
MAIN SAUVAGE Wold Soft Toy • $89
FERM LIVING KIDS Organic Cotton Party Cushion • $62
Small Mushroom Lamp Jade Green • $63
Donna Wilson - Mini Knitted Blanket • $90.96



Ferm Living Party Memory Game • ferm LIVING • $25
Bold Tuesday • FIND IT USA • $24.90
Stars garland • $45
FERM LIVING KIDS Children's Green Polka Dot Apron • $40
Star Cushion Stone grey • $27
Mugg Mumindalen, Snorkfröken • $15
FLATOUT FRANKIE Little • $28
BUHO Pompom Lurex Hat • $51
DONNA WILSON Cat ceramic plate • $42
BRIKI VROOM VROOM Decorative Wooden Mushrooms - Set of 4 • $40


Happy shopping!

Niki & Ana

Photograph (top): my children's feet photographed by Kimme Persson /  stylist - Genevieve Jorn.

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2017 Gift Guide: For Lovers of Scandinavian Design

Every year I have this wonderful vision of merrily strolling the fairy light festooned shopping streets, picking up gifts for my nearest and dearest,  before stopping for a mug of steaming glögg (mulled wine). The reality? Somewhat different! There's just SO MUCH TO DO! Do you feel the same? If so, you'll be happy to hear Ana Degenaar (My Scandinavian Home's wonderful elf contributor) and I, have been working away on a gift guide for Scandinavian design lovers - covering all budgets (it's stated in dollars but the items are available almost anywhere in the world) and items we feel represent the Scandinavian aesthetics. We're super proud of our picks and hope you'll get some great ideas for even the most picky of friends and family!








Vitra - Eames House Bird
Leather MacBook Air/Macbook Pro 13" - Made from veg tan leather
Sandqvist - Backpack
Muuto - Framed Mirror
Triwa - Gold Nevil 2.0
Zoeppritz since 1828 - Must Have Blanket
Serena and Lily - Winter Beach Pillow Cover
Klong - Patina oil lamp
Kinto - Brewer Stand Set
JOHNSTONS - Plain cashmere scarf





La cerise sur le gâteau • Cushion
Ferm Living • Hexagonal Vase Green
Round Bottle Carafe
The Poster Club - Berit Mogensen Lopez
Concord Set - Aesop
Georg Jensen - Ilse Candle Holder • Georg Jensen
Bloomingville • Aluminum Tray
Native Union - iPhone Lightning Charging Dock+
Decosinto - Linen Towels
Tom Dixon - Stone Spice Grinder




HAY - Lup Wall Candle Holder - Half Round
Bloomingville - Stoneware Tray - Natural - 30cm
Bloomingville - Pom Pom Cotton Cushion - 45x45cm
SNÖ - Scented Candle
Bloomingville - Ella Mug - Green
Present Time - Nimble Slope Vase Hazel
My Scandinavian Home Book by Niki Brantmark
H&M - Waffled Bedspread
Muuto - Silent Vase
Coriander Seed Body Cleanser • Aesop
 
Under $15:  If you know someone who's looking to add a little balance and calm to their life, my book - Lagom - The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life - Niki Brantmark (available in English UK, English US, French and Portuguese - note they have different jackets) could be a nice little pressie!  I wrote it with all my friends and family in mind and included all the small tips and tricks I've learned from Swedes and my life here that make daily life just a little easier. The LA Times included it in their list of 'Great Stocking Filler books' this week too - so perhaps Santa will be coming down the chimney with it?! Ho ho ho!
 
I hope our 2017 Christmas Gift Guide has helped, and more importantly, gives you a little more time to enjoy those all important cosy evenings with friends sipping glögg (or espresso martinis!) with friends and family - just as December is intended!

Happy shopping!

Lifestyle photography - © Niki Brantmark / My Scandinavian home 

This post contains affiliate links. 

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Christmas gift guide – Nordic and unique

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? How about something a little unique this year. Something handmade by Nordic designers, artists and craftsmen to be specific? You may remember NOORVERK from this lovely Christmas decoration feature and now, I'm returning for a little Christmas shopping! Excitingly NOORVERK has something for everyone who cares about quality and craftsmanship, tradition and sustainability (and of course, beautiful design!), from pillows and blankets, to jewellery and scarves and wooden children's toys. Here's my pick:

For her

For the host
 
For design lovers



For best friends



For art lovers


For him 


For me!
For children




1. Leather desk organiser 2. Hand turned bowl. 3. Porcelain paper cups 4. Grey vase 5.  Painting by Matilde Friese 6. Merino scarf 7. macbook folder 8. Backpack

So beautiful and unique, what perfect Christmas pressies don't you think? Which would you choose?

NOORVERK deliver to Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Holland, Belgium and Luxemburg. Be sure to order before 14th December to ensure they arrive in time for Christmas!

This post was sponsored by NOORVERK. All words are my own and I only ever work with brands I love and think you will to. Plus I genuinely would love to receive / give any one of these as a present (hint hint!). 

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